Readers' Travel Tips from Our Cruise Contest—Have You Entered Yet?

July 26, 2012

We're giving one lucky reader a seven-night Caribbean cruise for two on luxury line Seabourn (including airfare)—but you're going to have to earn it. Tell us about the best day you ever spent in a port city, and our team of travel experts will select the person with the smartest recommendation to win the big prize.

We're giving away a seven-night Caribbean cruise for two on luxury line Seabourn (including airfare)—but you're going to have to earn it. Tell us about the best day you ever spent in a port city—maybe you ate a to-die-for Greek salad at a hole-in-the-wall taverna in Santorini or swam with whale sharks in Belize—and our team of travel experts will select the person with the smartest recommendation to win the big prize. The tip can be for any port city in the whole wide world, and you have until September 7 to submit. Check out a few of the most interesting tips we've seen so far…

Shetland Islands, UK

"Grab your local map of the town and head first to a wonderful Maritime Museum within walking distance of the port. A few hours will fly by. Now for all those 'Knit Wits' head to Jamison & Smith (Shetland Wool Brokers, LTD). The sales gal is terrific and most knowledgeable with yarns for one’s knitting projects. A tour of the factory was offered where two men were only too happy to provide the history of wool, from sheep to the finished product, be it a sweater or rug. This informative mini lecture was gratis and wonderful, especially with locals." —Barbara Kelly

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

"An unforgettable family adventure is Los Veranos Canopy Tour. The network of 14 zip-lines has the highest/longest run, measured at 300-plus feet high and over one-fifth of a mile long. The best part is an exceptionally well-trained, funny, and safety-oriented staff. Want proof? We mixed a 'Learning to Fly' video combining their footage and ours. They also have a good restaurant set overlooking the river. The experience even transformed my notoriously chicken wife to be a thrill-seeker for the day in their exotic petting zoo. A fantastic, family experience with easy transfers from the cruise port." —__Robert Cole

Trabzon, Turkey

"In this unusual, primarily locals-only destination of northern Turkey, begin the day by heading east to the city square (Ataturk Alani). Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee or a samovar of locally brewed tea. Then, approach one of the travel companies located around the square, and book a day trip to the Sumela Monastery located in the inland mountains ($12). This incredible feat of architecture was built into the side of a mountain in 386 AD, and it is a truly breathtaking sight to experience. Upon return, end the day on the mountain overlooking the port drinking tea at sunset for an unforgettable view." —Justin Katz

Naples, Italy

"To avoid the crowds around Pompeii, the best is to get a ferry boat to shuttle to Capri to spend the day on the island. Not downtown Capri but Anacapri, with its hidden beaches and native family-owned restaurants. There are 12 other great grottos besides the blue one, and all of them are fabulous."—Michael Gebert

Penang, Malaysia

"In the port of Penang, Malaysia, a traveler can experience a vast wealth of experiences from many different countries and people groups, all on one small island. My favorite way to spend a day in Penang would be to visit the wet market of Palau Tikus early in the morning and then continue to the many varied temples of Penang that co-exist peacefully as neighbors. I would eat my way through neighborhood hawker stalls and eventually wind my way north to the beautiful beaches of Batu Ferringhi. One day in Penang is like a trip throughout Southeast Asia!" —Gay Houghtaling

Muscat, Oman

"Searching for mysterious ancient oils and spices, finding an alternative to Salalah's frankincense ice cream, intermingling with the locals, comparing the ancient cultural heritage along with the more modern style, and following the winding alleys and roads to market shops and hidden treasures!" —Lorena Frias

Key West, Florida

"My favorite thing to do is to take a trip out to the Dry Tortugas. Whether by seaplane or boat, it's a beautiful ride and once you arrive, it gets even better. The snorkeling is amazing and the fort is great for history buffs. It's like being on your own private island as there are never that many people around. I never tire of visiting, as I always discover something new each time. I have been to many islands, but there's something very special and unique about the Dry Tortugas." —Carol Bull

Mylos, Greece

"Rent a car at site (costs about 25 euros plus gas), take a map of the island and off you go. My husband and I had so much fun around the windy roads and hills. Even though we did miss certain turns, it is more adventurous to get lost (remember, it’s an island and the fear of ending 100 km away from the port won’t happen). Do not miss Sarakiniko, Firopotamos, and Klima. Oh! Don’t forget to turn on the radio to listen to Greek music and indulge in a Greek salad and fresh fish near the port or beaches." —Alexandra Gloc

Tortola, British Virgin Islands

"Hire a local driver, have no itinerary, and let the day flow as it may. Ours was a kind older gentlemen who stopped frequently to 'make water,' regaled us with stories from his trusty bible stored in the glove compartment, and crested a hill at the perfect moment to look down at a rainbow that formed between two small hills in front of us as the slated windows of a nearby schoolhouse rang with the voices of children in song. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect." —Carol Reim

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

"Even been kissed by a stingray? I was, by Josephine, our skipper's 'girlfriend.' This ray obviously knew our skipper, swam over, and jumped into his outstretched arms. The five of us then took turns holding and smooching with Josephine. We had booked the boat and skipper before leaving home, so when the chip docked, we were ready to go." —Linda Albert